BATH — Hyde School will host its 13th Annual Maine Youth Leadership Day on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free statewide event will welcome more than 1,200 students in grades 5–12 for a day dedicated to building confidence, strengthening leadership skills, and encouraging meaningful connections.

This year’s theme, “The Courage to Follow Your Passion,” will challenge students to recognize their unique strengths, move beyond perceived limitations, and use their talents to make a positive difference in their schools, families, and communities, according to Hyde School, in a news release.

"Leadership Day reflects Hyde School’s belief that young people thrive when character, personal growth, and relationships are placed at the center of their development," said the news release. "Hyde’s work extends beyond the classroom by helping students reconnect and build stronger relationships with their families, creating a lasting support system for growth and success."

Throughout the day, students will participate in interactive workshops, collaborative activities, and motivational discussions led by professionals from Maine’s business, nonprofit, education, and community sectors. These experiences will encourage students to step outside their comfort zones, learn from one another, and discover their potential as leaders.

Hyde School welcomes professional cyclist and pilot Clara Brown as the featured speaker for the 2026 Maine Youth Leadership Day. 

After sustaining a spinal cord injury at age 12 that resulted in lasting physical impairments, Brown returned to athletics through rowing before discovering para-cycling after college. She has since become one of the world’s leading cyclists, representing Team USA internationally, winning multiple world championships, and competing in two Paralympic Games—including earning a medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Outside of cycling, Brown is a commercially rated pilot working toward a professional aviation career while continuing to compete in Paralympic and able-bodied road and gravel cycling. Based in Portland, Maine, Brown challenges audiences to reconsider perceived limitations, embrace discomfort as an opportunity for growth, and pursue ambitious goals with courage, curiosity, and determination.

Leadership Day Highlights

● Interactive leadership workshops: Students will explore their individual strengths, develop greater self-awareness, and practice skills they can bring back to their schools and communities.

● Connections with Maine leaders: Students will meet and learn from professionals representing businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups throughout the state.

● Personal growth and resilience: Activities will encourage students to face challenges, persevere through obstacles, and find the courage to pursue their goals.

● Stronger relationships: Students will explore how leadership begins with authentic connections to their peers, communities, and families.

Hyde School is an independent, coeducational college-preparatory boarding and day school in Bath, Maine, serving students in grades 9–12 and postgraduate.

For more than 60 years, Hyde has placed character development at the heart of education. Through rigorous academics, leadership opportunities, family programming, and a close-knit community, Hyde helps students discover their strengths, develop confidence and resilience, and prepare for success in college and life.

Hyde recognizes that lasting student growth happens in partnership with families. Its family-centered approach helps reconnect young people with their parents and caregivers, strengthen communication, and create a shared foundation of trust, accountability, and support.

For more information about Maine Youth Leadership Day, visit Hyde School’s Maine State Leadership Alliance webpage.